Broadcaster Eamon Dunphy has slammed the referee’s performance during Ireland’s agonising defeat to Portugal in Faro on Wednesday night.
A Cristiano Ronaldo brace in the dying throes of the game saw the home side come from behind to win 2-1 in a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Those two goals saw Ronaldo claim the all-time men’s record for international goals, while the Man United player also had a penalty saved by 19-year-old goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
However, Dunphy believes the poor officiating played a significant role in the outcome of the game.
Speaking on Thursday’s OTB AM, The Stand host noted: “We’re used to struggling away from home with referees, but this was particularly bad.”
“They had Ronaldo’s shirt ready [for the referee] - whether that was from UEFA or the Portuguese FA, I’m not sure”
“It turned into a celebration of Ronaldo - and no one would want to celebrate more than me - but it wasn’t done in the right way.”
“The referee was very poor and I think the ethics of that are shocking.”
“He played two minutes extra at the end of the first half, and went over the five minutes allotted in overtime, and that’s when the goal damage was done.”
“When you’re under siege like that, every second counts, so I think it was very unfair.”
Despite the defeat, Dunphy also believes there are plenty of positives to take from manager Stephen Kenny’s approach - especially his endorsement of homegrown Irish talent.
“Players like Aaron Connolly at Brighton and Adam Idah at Norwich have to work really hard to get into their first teams.”
“It’s a different era, and I think the way Stephen has tackled that problem is to get local Irish talent, recognise it, train it and improve it.”
“He is steeped in local Irish football, and we need that now.”
“We should be proud of the players and I hope we are.”
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